Wettable and disintegrable cosmetic article

ABSTRACT

Single-use cosmetic article comprising at least one fibrous support extending substantially in at least one plane, and made of at least one material chosen such that: i) when the support is placed in contact with water at a first temperature T 0 , it at least partially shrinks and becomes elastic in at least one direction of the said plane, and such that ii) when the support is placed in contact with water at a second temperature T 1 , higher than the first temperature T 0 , it dissolves so as to become at least partially disintegrated.

The present invention relates to a cosmetic or care article. On accountof their consistency and their ease of use, cosmetic articles of thistype are generally known as supports or “wipes”. An advantageous use ofthis type of article is for it to be wetted before use and then to beused as a means of cleansing and/or of applying a care substance to theskin or the hair, although other uses are also possible. Specifically,this article may also be employed for household use in dusting or waxingapplications.

Individual cleansing supports have been known for a long time. Thesesupports are generally classified among the following two main types:“wet wipes” or “dry wipes”. The invention relates to the field of “drywipes”, preferably for use in wetted form. For example, the teaching ofdocument U.S. Pat. No. 4,303,543 discloses a nonwoven fibrous supportimpregnated with an aqueous solution comprising a surfactant and asoftener. The nonwoven fibrous support is then dried in the form of adry wipe. Finally, when it is desired to use this dry wipe, the usersimply moistens the said dry wipe with water and can then wash his skinor hair and/or disentangle his hair with the wipe.

One subject of the invention is a single-use cosmetic article comprisingat least one fibrous support extending substantially in at least oneplane, and made of at least one material chosen such that:

-   i) when the support is placed in contact with water at a first    temperature (T0), it at least partially shrinks and becomes elastic    in at least one direction of the said plane, and such that-   ii) when the support is placed in contact with water at a second    temperature (T1), higher than the first temperature (T0), it    dissolves so as to become at least partially disintegrated.

To make a nonwoven support according to the invention from water-solublepolyvinyl alcohol fibres, the process is performed in three successivesteps: formation of the web, consolidation and then finishing. However,in certain recent technological developments, these steps tend tooverlap partially or even completely, with the aim of obtaining newproperties for the support.

Firstly, the web of fibres is derived from balls of chopped fibres orfrom filaments. It may be obtained, for example, via one of thefollowing three methods: via the dry route, via the molten route or viathe wet route. In particular, the dry route may be performed as follows.A mechanical process converts the entangled fibres into a “fabric” ofparallel fibres. This begins by opening the balls of fibres, which arethen blended and then conveyed to a carding machine via a conveyor belt.This machine is formed from one or more rotary drums with thin wires orteeth that comb the fibres.

The weight per unit area envisaged for the nonwovens and the desiredorientation of the fibres are important factors. The parameters of themachine derive therefrom. Thus, the fibres may be oriented in the lengthof the web (i.e. in the machine direction, which also corresponds to amain axis of elongation of the fibres of the support finally obtained).The mechanical properties are generally better in the machine directionthan in the transverse direction. However, the machine parameters may beadjusted so as to reduce this anisotropy. Along with the composition ofthe web, the speed of formation may be modified as a function of thedesired properties.

In the present case, to make a nonwoven according to the invention, theprocess begins with short polyvinylalcohol fibres about 1 cm long. Inparticular, the fibres used in the invention are water-soluble fibres ofthe Kuralon II® type from the company Kuraray. In particular, the fibreschosen in this category are those with a dissolution temperature ofgreater than 20° C., for example about 55° C. or 40° C. depending on theworking temperatures that are then desired. The chosen fibres are, forexample, of the type described in document EP-B-0 636 716.

The web obtained is not solid enough to be used in its present form.Consolidation is thus necessary in order to hold the web together. Thisis a very important step in the production of nonwovens. Specifically,the final properties differ according to the chosen method. For example,the web may be consolidated via chemical bonding, thermal bonding ormechanical bonding. The oldest technique for consolidating nonwovens ismechanical bonding, for example by needle-bonding or entanglement withjets of water. This bonding physically entangles the fibres and thefriction of the fibres against each other reinforces the web.

In the case of entanglement with jets of water, the fibres are subjectedto the impact of very fine jets of water at high pressure and becomeentangled. The pressure of the jets determines the strength of thenonwoven that it is desired to obtain. The nonwovens obtained by thismethod have specific properties; great softness of feel, a veryattractive texture and high strength. In general, the jets of water areperpendicular to the nonwoven.

Finally, the finishing of the web, before or after consolidating theweb, may be obtained by adding certain products chosen from a largenumber of chemical substances and may thus give the nonwoven specificproperties according to the applications: hydrophobic, porous,antistatic, absorbent, conductive, flame-retardant, air-permeable.Different treatments are applied, for instance coating, printing,flocking, dyeing or combination with other materials to form morecomplex supports.

Finally, the nonwoven web is completed and rolled up. It may besubjected to new treatments and fashioned in the form of supports. Thefinal form of the supports is obtained after treatment in transformers,which split, cut, fold, sew, impregnate and back the web as desired. Forexample, for the purpose of a cosmetic use, the support is at leastpartially impregnated with a cosmetic product, preferably an anhydrousproduct, especially a makeup-removing product.

In the invention, the nonwoven supports obtained have a weight per unitarea of about 50 g/m².

The support formed from such a nonwoven is preferably packaged dry inorder subsequently to be able to be used moistened. When the support iswetted, at a first temperature (T0) for its future use, the shrinkage ofthe support on itself is at least 45% of the lengths and/or widths ofthe support when it is defined in a plane. Preferably, the shrinkage isat least 60% in one direction of the said plane. In particular, thesupport is wetted at this stage at a temperature of less than 40° C.,which corresponds to a temperature of dissolution of the support.

Due to the shrinkage of the support along its length and/or its width, areduction in the area formed in the plane by the support, by a factor ofat least 4, is observed in parallel.

The thickness of the support may optionally be modified by passing fromthe first state, which is dry overall, to the second wet, i.e.moistened, state. In the second state, the thickness may be found tohave increased. In parallel, the coarseness of the surface of thesupport is greater in the wet state than in the dry state. Thiscoarseness of the support gives advantageous mechanical properties forcleansing the skin.

The support develops the above physical characteristics when it iswetted using a solution whose temperature is below the dissolutiontemperature of the fibres constituting it. In the above example, thedissolution temperature of the support is greater than 20° C. and isdefined at about 40° C.

When the support is wetted with a solution at a temperature above itsdissolution temperature, in this instance about 40° C. for the aboveexample, then the support rapidly dissolves. It may thus be readilydisposed of without, however, creating additional waste.

In parallel with its shrinkage, the support also becomes more elasticwhen it is in a wetted state than when it is in its initial dry state.This elasticity is reflected by an elongation at break for the nonwovensaccording to the invention comprising a main axis of elongation of thefibres. This elongation at break is at least fivefold or even tenfold inthe direction of the main axis of elongation of the fibres in the wetstate relative to the elongation at break obtained when the article isdry.

The support is anisotropic. Specifically, the elongation at break in adirection orthogonal to the main axis of elongation of the fibresdecreases on passing from the first dry state to the second wet state,in contrast with the increasing elongation observed in the directionparallel to the main axis of elongation of the fibres.

The supports made according to the invention, once wetted a first time,so as to change from the first state to the second state, can no longerregain their size characteristics or their mechanical propertiesassociated with their first state. The change from the first state tothe second state is irreversible. However, the support that has beenwetted to the point of reaching its second state becomes stiff if it isnot dissolved and is left in the open air. This stiffened state isreversible, and simple rewetting of the support allows it to regain thecharacteristics observed in the second state, especially its elasticity.The support can thus, nevertheless, be reusable for application to theskin or the hair, even after the first wetting, on condition that thewetting temperature is still less than the dissolution temperature ofthe support.

The support according to the invention may be cut to the shape of a flatsupport, of rectangular, oval or circular shape, but it may also be indifferent forms and cutouts, for example in the form of a wipe, a glove,a pad or an applicator tip. The support may be one-ply or multi-ply andmay also be combined with other types of support, for example incombination with a sponge, a fabric or permeable or impermeablesupports.

The support according to the present invention may have numerous uses asa function of the ingredients incorporated into the support. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to cosmetic articles in which asurfactant or any other cosmetic component and/or care component ispresent in solid form, for example in the form of a powder of a foamingor makeup composition. These articles may also comprise liquid, forexample encapsulated, such that this liquid can wet the cosmeticarticle, and thus the surfactant and/or the other cosmetic components,when the capsules are broken.

For example, this type of support may be used to apply a foundation, askincare product, a haircare product (for example a shampoo, aconditioning balm, a disentangling bath or a dye), a self-tanningcomposition, an antisun composition, a makeup-removing product,fragrance, an anti-mosquito product, an anti-wrinkle or anti-acnetreatment, or any other cosmetic and/or care product.

The support may also comprise fatty substances, for example productsthat are soluble only in oils, such as makeup compositions, orsofteners, or alternatively compositions comprising sunscreens that areonly soluble in oil; in this case, the components are encapsulated.

These supports may be presented in various types of packaging. Forexample, they may be compressed, optionally folded up and stacked on topof each other in a flexible plastic sachet so as to be easilytransportable. This type of flexible plastic sachet comprises an openingvia which the supports may be removed one after the other. Before thevery first use, this opening is sealed and hermetically closed with afilm covering this opening and comprising at least one adhesiveperiphery to ensure leaktightness around this opening. After the firstuse, the film may optionally be replaced on the opening or may bepermanently discarded.

If necessary, the opening may be surrounded by additional flexible tabsextending along the adjacent edges of the opening. This thus gives anopening with flexible edges that can be separated during the removal ofthe supports contained in the sachet.

The supports may be folded in different ways. For example, the supportsmay be intercalated with each other such that the extraction of the topsupport through the opening entrains at least part of the support lyingjust underneath to rest outside the opening, and thus facilitate itssubsequent extraction from the sachet.

As a variant, each support may be packaged in an individual sachet, suchthat the opening of the sachet may be obtained by tearing the sachet.

Alternatively, the supports may be conditioned in rigid plastic boxesand other types of boxes that are compatible with the structure of thesupports and the chemical compositions they contain.

When it is desired to use the support as a wipe for cleansing the faceor removing makeup therefrom, the wipe is then impregnated with a liquidor solid composition, for example in the form of a powder, comprising afoaming surfactant. Various types of surfactant may be incorporated,such as anionic, cationic or amphoteric surfactants. The impregnatedliquid or solid composition may also comprise one or more softeners,vitamins, a fragrance, neutralizers and other types of active agent,preferably hydrophilic active agents and preserving agents. To obtainthe foaming effect, water may then be supplied in a large amount whenthe wipe is used, and finally for rinsing after use.

In general terms, a subject of the invention is also a process ofcosmetic treatment using an article as made above, and consisting in:

-   i) impregnating the said article with water at a first temperature    (T0);-   ii) placing at least one cosmetic product on all or part of the said    article impregnated with water;-   iii) placing at least one face of the article impregnated with the    said cosmetic product in contact with a surface to be treated,    especially the skin or the hair; and-   iv) placing the said article in contact with water at a second    temperature (T1) so as to dissolve the support and at least    partially disintegrate the said article.

Alternatively, in the case where the support is already preimpregnatedwith an essentially anhydrous cosmetic composition, then the cosmetictreatment process consists in:

-   i) impregnating the said article with water at a first temperature    (T0);-   ii) placing at least one face of the article impregnated with the    said cosmetic composition in contact with a surface to be treated,    especially the skin; and-   iii) placing the said article in contact with water at a second    temperature (T1) so as to dissolve the support and at least    partially disintegrate the said article.

The nonwoven support made with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibres was testedin “dry” form and in “wet” form, i.e. after a residence time of one hourin water. The mechanical properties were tested in the directionparallel and transverse to the main axis of elongation of the fibres ofthe support. The results presented are means performed on groups of fiveidentically tested supports. The supports tested are rectangles.

These supports are defined according to two perpendicular directions ofa plane, for example a length and a width. They moreover have a definedthickness orthogonal to this plane. A thickness is, for example, between0.1 and 10 mm. The “dry” thickness of these supports is preferably lessthan 1 mm. As a result, the supports have length and width dimensionsthat are markedly greater than this thickness. Even in “wet” form, inwhich the supports gain slightly in thickness, they still have athickness that is markedly less than their length and width dimensions.

Two types of support were considered. The first supports have a definedlength parallel to the main axis of elongation of the fibres; in thiscase, they have an initial length of 250 mm and an initial width of 50mm. The second supports have a defined length orthogonal to the mainaxis of elongation of the fibres; in this case, they have an initiallength of 190 mm and an initial width of 50 mm. The results obtained arecollated in the table below. First supports Second supports “Parallel“Transverse direction (//)” direction (⊥)” Length Width Length Width“Dry” 250 mm 50 mm 190 mm 50 mm nonwoven “Wet” 110 mm 20 mm 100 mm 27 mmnonwoven Shrinkage 56% 60% 47% 46%

The maximum force and the elongation at break of these various types ofnonwoven support were tested, in the dry and then wet states,respectively, by exerting tensile forces at the ends of the supports,such that the tensile forces exerted were parallel to the length ofthese supports. The results are presented in the table below. Firstsupports Second supports “Parallel “Transverse direction (//)” direction(⊥)” Maximum Elongation at Maximum Elongation at force break force break“Dry” 39 N  13% 10.1 N  120% nonwoven “Wet” 42 N 161%  5.5 N 79.7%nonwoven Change +7% ×12 −45%  −33%

Wettable and Disintegrable Cosmetic Article

The present invention relates to a cosmetic or care article. On accountof their consistency and their ease of use, cosmetic articles of thistype are generally known as supports or “wipes”. An advantageous use ofthis type of article is for it to be wetted before use and then to beused as a means of cleansing and/or of applying a care substance to theskin or the hair, although other uses are also possible. Specifically,this article may also be employed for household use in dusting or waxingapplications.

Individual cleansing supports have been known for a long time. Thesesupports are generally classified among the following two main types:“wet wipes” or “dry wipes”. The invention relates to the field of “drywipes”, preferably for use in wetted form. For example, the teaching ofdocument U.S. Pat. No. 4,303,543 discloses a nonwoven fibrous supportimpregnated with an aqueous solution comprising a surfactant and asoftener. The nonwoven fibrous support is then dried in the form of adry wipe. Finally, when it is desired to use this dry wipe, the usersimply moistens the said dry wipe with water and can then wash his skinor hair and/or disentangle his hair with the wipe.

One subject of the invention is a single-use cosmetic article comprisingat least one fibrous support extending substantially in at least oneplane, and made of at least one material chosen such that:

-   i) when the support is placed in contact with water at a first    temperature (T0), it at least partially shrinks and becomes elastic    in at least one direction of the said plane, and such that-   ii) when the support is placed in contact with water at a second    temperature (T1), higher than the first temperature (T0), it    dissolves so as to become at least partially disintegrated.

To make a nonwoven support according to the invention from water-solublepolyvinyl alcohol fibres, the process is performed in three successivesteps: formation of the web, consolidation and then finishing. However,in certain recent technological developments, these steps tend tooverlap partially or even completely, with the aim of obtaining newproperties for the support.

Firstly, the web of fibres is derived from balls of chopped fibres orfrom filaments. It may be obtained, for example, via one of thefollowing three methods: via the dry route, via the molten route or viathe wet route. In particular, the dry route may be performed as follows.A mechanical process converts the entangled fibres into a “fabric” ofparallel fibres. This begins by opening the balls of fibres, which arethen blended and then conveyed to a carding machine via a conveyor belt.This machine is formed from one or more rotary drums with thin wires orteeth that comb the fibres.

The weight per unit area envisaged for the nonwovens and the desiredorientation of the fibres are important factors. The parameters of themachine derive therefrom. Thus, the fibres may be oriented in the lengthof the web (i.e. in the machine direction, which also corresponds to amain axis of elongation of the fibres of the support finally obtained).The mechanical properties are generally better in the machine directionthan in the transverse direction. However, the machine parameters may beadjusted so as to reduce this anisotropy. Along with the composition ofthe web, the speed of formation may be modified as a function of thedesired properties.

In the present case, to make a nonwoven according to the invention, theprocess begins with short polyvinylalcohol fibres about 1 cm long. Inparticular, the fibres used in the invention are water-soluble fibres ofthe Kuralon II® type from the company Kuraray. In particular, the fibreschosen in this category are those with a dissolution temperature ofgreater than 20° C., for example about 55° C. or 40° C. depending on theworking temperatures that are then desired. The chosen fibres are, forexample, of the type described in document EP-B-0 636 716.

The web obtained is not solid enough to be used in its present form.Consolidation is thus necessary in order to hold the web together. Thisis a very important step in the production of nonwovens. Specifically,the final properties differ according to the chosen method. For example,the web may be consolidated via chemical bonding, thermal bonding ormechanical bonding. The oldest technique for consolidating nonwovens ismechanical bonding, for example by needle-bonding or entanglement withjets of water. This bonding physically entangles the fibres and thefriction of the fibres against each other reinforces the web.

In the case of entanglement with jets of water, the fibres are subjectedto the impact of very fine jets of water at high pressure and becomeentangled. The pressure of the jets determines the strength of thenonwoven that it is desired to obtain. The nonwovens obtained by thismethod have specific properties; great softness of feel, a veryattractive texture and high strength. In general, the jets of water areperpendicular to the nonwoven.

Finally, the finishing of the web, before or after consolidating theweb, may be obtained by adding certain products chosen from a largenumber of chemical substances and may thus give the nonwoven specificproperties according to the applications: hydrophobic, porous,antistatic, absorbent, conductive, flame-retardant, air-permeable.Different treatments are applied, for instance coating, printing,flocking, dyeing or combination with other materials to form morecomplex supports.

Finally, the nonwoven web is completed and rolled up. It may besubjected to new treatments and fashioned in the form of supports. Thefinal form of the supports is obtained after treatment in transformers,which split, cut, fold, sew, impregnate and back the web as desired. Forexample, for the purpose of a cosmetic use, the support is at leastpartially impregnated with a cosmetic product, preferably an anhydrousproduct, especially a makeup-removing product.

In the invention, the nonwoven supports obtained have a weight per unitarea of about 50 g/m².

The support formed from such a nonwoven is preferably packaged dry inorder subsequently to be able to be used moistened. When the support iswetted, at a first temperature (T0) for its future use, the shrinkage ofthe support on itself is at least 45% of the lengths and/or widths ofthe support when it is defined in a plane. Preferably, the shrinkage isat least 60% in one direction of the said plane. In particular, thesupport is wetted at this stage at a temperature of less than 40° C.,which corresponds to a temperature of dissolution of the support.

Due to the shrinkage of the support along its length and/or its width, areduction in the area formed in the plane by the support, by a factor ofat least 4, is observed in parallel.

The thickness of the support may optionally be modified by passing fromthe first state, which is dry overall, to the second wet, i.e.moistened, state. In the second state, the thickness may be found tohave increased. In parallel, the coarseness of the surface of thesupport is greater in the wet state than in the dry state. Thiscoarseness of the support gives advantageous mechanical properties forcleansing the skin.

The support develops the above physical characteristics when it iswetted using a solution whose temperature is below the dissolutiontemperature of the fibres constituting it. In the above example, thedissolution temperature of the support is greater than 20° C. and isdefined at about 40° C.

When the support is wetted with a solution at a temperature above itsdissolution temperature, in this instance about 40° C. for the aboveexample, then the support rapidly dissolves. It may thus be readilydisposed of without, however, creating additional waste.

In parallel with its shrinkage, the support also becomes more elasticwhen it is in a wetted state than when it is in its initial dry state.This elasticity is reflected by an elongation at break for the nonwovensaccording to the invention comprising a main axis of elongation of thefibres. This elongation at break is at least fivefold or even tenfold inthe direction of the main axis of elongation of the fibres in the wetstate relative to the elongation at break obtained when the article isdry.

The support is anisotropic. Specifically, the elongation at break in adirection orthogonal to the main axis of elongation of the fibresdecreases on passing from the first dry state to the second wet state,in contrast with the increasing elongation observed in the directionparallel to the main axis of elongation of the fibres.

The supports made according to the invention, once wetted a first time,so as to change from the first state to the second state, can no longerregain their size characteristics or their mechanical propertiesassociated with their first state. The change from the first state tothe second state is irreversible. However, the support that has beenwetted to the point of reaching its second state becomes stiff if it isnot dissolved and is left in the open air. This stiffened state isreversible, and simple rewetting of the support allows it to regain thecharacteristics observed in the second state, especially its elasticity.The support can thus, nevertheless, be reusable for application to theskin or the hair, even after the first wetting, on condition that thewetting temperature is still less than the dissolution temperature ofthe support.

The support according to the invention may be cut to the shape of a flatsupport, of rectangular, oval or circular shape, but it may also be indifferent forms and cutouts, for example in the form of a wipe, a glove,a pad or an applicator tip. The support may be one-ply or multi-ply andmay also be combined with other types of support, for example incombination with a sponge, a fabric or permeable or impermeablesupports.

The support according to the present invention may have numerous uses asa function of the ingredients incorporated into the support. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to cosmetic articles in which asurfactant or any other cosmetic component and/or care component ispresent in solid form, for example in the form of a powder of a foamingor makeup composition. These articles may also comprise liquid, forexample encapsulated, such that this liquid can wet the cosmeticarticle, and thus the surfactant and/or the other cosmetic components,when the capsules are broken.

For example, this type of support may be used to apply a foundation, askincare product, a haircare product (for example a shampoo, aconditioning balm, a disentangling bath or a dye), a self-tanningcomposition, an antisun composition, a makeup-removing product,fragrance, an anti-mosquito product, an anti-wrinkle or anti-acnetreatment, or any other cosmetic and/or care product.

The support may also comprise fatty substances, for example productsthat are soluble only in oils, such as makeup compositions, orsofteners, or alternatively compositions comprising sunscreens that areonly soluble in oil; in this case, the components are encapsulated.

These supports may be presented in various types of packaging. Forexample, they may be compressed, optionally folded up and stacked on topof each other in a flexible plastic sachet so as to be easilytransportable. This type of flexible plastic sachet comprises an openingvia which the supports may be removed one after the other. Before thevery first use, this opening is sealed and hermetically closed with afilm covering this opening and comprising at least one adhesiveperiphery to ensure leaktightness around this opening. After the firstuse, the film may optionally be replaced on the opening or may bepermanently discarded.

If necessary, the opening may be surrounded by additional flexible tabsextending along the adjacent edges of the opening. This thus gives anopening with flexible edges that can be separated during the removal ofthe supports contained in the sachet.

The supports may be folded in different ways. For example, the supportsmay be intercalated with each other such that the extraction of the topsupport through the opening entrains at least part of the support lyingjust underneath to rest outside the opening, and thus facilitate itssubsequent extraction from the sachet.

As a variant, each support may be packaged in an individual sachet, suchthat the opening of the sachet may be obtained by tearing the sachet.

Alternatively, the supports may be conditioned in rigid plastic boxesand other types of boxes that are compatible with the structure of thesupports and the chemical compositions they contain.

When it is desired to use the support as a wipe for cleansing the faceor removing makeup therefrom, the wipe is then impregnated with a liquidor solid composition, for example in the form of a powder, comprising afoaming surfactant. Various types of surfactant may be incorporated,such as anionic, cationic or amphoteric surfactants. The impregnatedliquid or solid composition may also comprise one or more softeners,vitamins, a fragrance, neutralizers and other types of active agent,preferably hydrophilic active agents and preserving agents. To obtainthe foaming effect, water may then be supplied in a large amount whenthe wipe is used, and finally for rinsing after use.

In general terms, a subject of the invention is also a process ofcosmetic treatment using an article as made above, and consisting in:

-   i) impregnating the said article with water at a first temperature    (T0);-   ii) placing at least one cosmetic product on all or part of the said    article impregnated with water;-   iii) placing at least one face of the article impregnated with the    said cosmetic product in contact with a surface to be treated,    especially the skin or the hair; and-   iv) placing the said article in contact with water at a second    temperature (T1) so as to dissolve the support and at least    partially disintegrate the said article.

Alternatively, in the case where the support is already preimpregnatedwith an essentially anhydrous cosmetic composition, then the cosmetictreatment process consists in:

-   i) impregnating the said article with water at a first temperature    (T0);-   ii) placing at least one face of the article impregnated with the    said cosmetic composition in contact with a surface to be treated,    especially the skin; and-   iii) placing the said article in contact with water at a second    temperature (T1) so as to dissolve the support and at least    partially disintegrate the said article.

The nonwoven support made with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibres was testedin “dry” form and in “wet” form, i.e. after a residence time of one hourin water. The mechanical properties were tested in the directionparallel and transverse to the main axis of elongation of the fibres ofthe support. The results presented are means performed on groups of fiveidentically tested supports. The supports tested are rectangles.

These supports are defined according to two perpendicular directions ofa plane, for example a length and a width. They moreover have a definedthickness orthogonal to this plane. A thickness is, for example, between0.1 and 10 mm. The “dry” thickness of these supports is preferably lessthan 1 mm. As a result, the supports have length and width dimensionsthat are markedly greater than this thickness. Even in “wet” form, inwhich the supports gain slightly in thickness, they still have athickness that is markedly less than their length and width dimensions.

Two types of support were considered. The first supports have a definedlength parallel to the main axis of elongation of the fibres; in thiscase, they have an initial length of 250 mm and an initial width of 50mm. The second supports have a defined length orthogonal to the mainaxis of elongation of the fibres; in this case, they have an initiallength of 190 mm and an initial width of 50 mm. The results obtained arecollated in the table below. First supports Second supports “Parallel“Transverse direction (//)” direction (⊥)” Length Width Length Width“Dry” 250 mm 50 mm 190 mm 50 mm nonwoven “Wet” 110 mm 20 mm 100 mm 27 mmnonwoven Shrinkage 56% 60% 47% 46%

The maximum force and the elongation at break of these various types ofnonwoven support were tested, in the dry and then wet states,respectively, by exerting tensile forces at the ends of the supports,such that the tensile forces exerted were parallel to the length ofthese supports. The results are presented in the table below. Firstsupports Second supports “Parallel “Transverse direction (//)” direction(⊥)” Maximum Elongation at Maximum Elongation at force break force break“Dry” 39 N  13% 10.1 N  120% nonwoven “Wet” 42 N 161%  5.5 N 79.7%nonwoven Change +7% ×12 −45%  −33%

1-14. (canceled)
 15. A cosmetic article comprising at least one fibroussupport, the support being at least partially impregnated with ananhydrous or encapsulated cosmetic product, extending in at least oneplane, and being made of at least one material such that: i) when thesupport is placed in contact with water at a first temperature (T0), itat least partially shrinks and becomes elastic in at least one directionof said plane, and ii) when the support is placed in contact with waterat a second temperature (T1), higher than the first temperature (T0), itdissolves so as to become at least partially disintegrated.
 16. Thearticle according to claim 15, wherein the support compriseswater-soluble polyvinyl alcohol fibers.
 17. The article according toclaim 15, wherein the cosmetic product is a makeup-removing product. 18.The article according to claim 15, wherein when the article is incontact with water at the first temperature (T0), the support shrinks byat least 45% in one direction of said plane.
 19. The article accordingto claim 15, wherein when the article is in contact with water at thefirst temperature (T0), the support shrinks by at least 60% in onedirection of said plane.
 20. The article according to claim 15, whereinthe first temperature (T0) is less than or equal to 40° C.
 21. Thearticle according to claim 15, wherein the second temperature (T1) isgreater than or equal to 20° C.
 22. The article according to claim 15,wherein the fibrous support is a nonwoven and comprises a main axis ofelongation of the fibers.
 23. The article according to claim 22, whereinwhen the article is placed in contact with water at a first temperature(T0), its elongation at break in the direction of the main axis ofelongation of the fibers is at least five times its elongation at breakwhen the article is dry.
 24. The article according to claim 22, whereinwhen the article is placed in contact with water at a first temperature(T0), its elongation at break in the direction of the main axis ofelongation of the fibers is at least ten times its elongation at breakwhen the article is dry.
 25. The article according to claim 23, whereinwhen the article is placed in contact with water at a first temperature(T0), its elongation at break perpendicular to the main axis ofelongation of the fibers is smaller than its elongation at break whenthe article is dry.
 26. The article according claim 15, wherein thewetting of the article results in irreversible changes.
 27. The articleaccording to claim 15, wherein, in the wetted state at the firsttemperature (T0), the surface state of the article is coarser than inthe dry state.
 28. The article according to claim 15, wherein thearticle is configured in the form of a wipe, a pad, an applicator tip ora glove.
 29. A process of cosmetic treatment using the article accordingto claim 15, comprising: i) impregnating the article with water at afirst temperature (T0); ii) placing at least one cosmetic product on allor part of the article impregnated with water; iii) placing at least oneface of the article impregnated with the cosmetic product in contactwith skin or hair; and iv) placing the article in contact with water ata second temperature (T1) so as to dissolve the support and at leastpartially disintegrate the article.
 30. A process of cosmetic treatmentusing an article according to claim 15, comprising: i) impregnating thearticle with water at a first temperature (T0); ii) placing at least oneface of the article impregnated with the cosmetic composition in contactwith skin or hair; and iii) placing the article in contact with water ata second temperature (T1) so as to dissolve the support and at leastpartially disintegrate the article.